rib

[ rib ]

/ rɪb /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: rib / ribbed / ribbing / ribs on Thesaurus.com

noun

one of a series of curved bones that are articulated with the vertebrae and occur in pairs, 12 in humans, on each side of the vertebrate body, certain pairs being connected with the sternum and forming the thoracic wall.

a cut of meat, as beef, containing a rib.

ribs, spareribs (def. 2).

Architecture.

any of several archlike members of a vault supporting it at the groins, defining its distinct surfaces, or dividing these surfaces into panels: including ogives and tiercerons.
any of several molded members or moldings, including ridge ribs and liernes, and on the surface of a vault accenting the ridges or dividing the surface into panels.

something resembling a rib in form, position, or use, as a supporting or strengthening part.

a structural member that supports the shape of something: an umbrella rib.

Nautical. any of the curved framing members in a ship's hull that rise upward and outward from the keel; frame.

a stiffening beam cast as part of a concrete slab.

a primary vein of a leaf.

a vertical ridge in cloth, especially in knitted fabrics.

a ridge, as in poplin or rep, caused by heavy yarn.

a wife (in humorous allusion to the creation of Eve. Genesis 2:21–22).

Ceramics. a scraper for smoothing clay being thrown on a potter's wheel.

a metal ridge running along the top of the barrel of a firearm to simplify aligning the sights.

a longitudinal strip of metal joining the barrels of a double-barreled gun.

verb (used with object), ribbed, rib·bing.

to furnish or strengthen with ribs.

to enclose as with ribs.

to mark with riblike ridges or markings.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!

In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”

Question 1 of 7

The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.

affect

effect

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Meet Grammar Coach

Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar help

Improve Your Writing

Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing

Origin of rib

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English rib(b); cognate with Old Frisian rib, reb, Old Icelandic rif, German Rippe; akin to Russian rebró “rib,” Greek orophḗ “roof, ceiling”

OTHER WORDS FROM rib

rib·ber, nounrib·less, adjectiverib·like, adjective

Other definitions for rib (2 of 2)

rib²

[ rib ]

/ rɪb /

verb (used with object), ribbed, rib·bing.

to tease; make fun of.

Origin of rib

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; probably from rib¹ (because tickling the ribs provokes laughter)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use rib in a sentence

Keeping your chin tucked and your back flat, pull the weight toward your rib cage, keeping your arm tight against your body.
Strength Training for Lower-Back Pain|Lauren Bedosky|November 18, 2020|Outside Online
He was taken to a hospital and treated for injuries police described as life-threatening, including broken ribs and a lacerated kidney.
After mother, partner are charged in toddler’s death, D.C. police say siblings were also abused|Peter Hermann|November 11, 2020|Washington Post
Beef, usually short ribs and various off cuts, is simmered for four to eight hours with a handful of vegetables that may include yuca, potatoes, chayote, carrots, corn, or plantains.
Everything You Need to Know About Costa Rican Food|Nicholas Gill|November 11, 2020|Eater
Source DNA PhotographyIf you’re in Parow and looking for a restaurant with character, check out the quirky Bar-B-Que Steakhouse, which has been serving up steaks, ribs and schnitzels since 1969.
Loving It Like a Local: Cape Town!|Barbara Fletcher|November 10, 2020|Ozy

The ribs are spot-on, too, the house rub balancing out its ample sugars with paprika and cayenne.
The best barbecue joints in the D.C. area|Tim Carman|November 10, 2020|Washington Post
After all, Kansas is as rock-ribbed a Republican state as they come.
Kansas Republicans Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback Lifted by Rising Tide|Ben Jacobs|November 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They sported fashionable helmets and choker-style ribbed neckbands, like something Nefertiti would have worn.
Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2014|Liza Foreman|October 1, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The ribbed khaki look could also came on sporty-looking trousers which tied at the ankles.
Chloé Spring/ Summer 2014: Modern Exoticism|Liza Foreman|September 29, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Netanyahu then ribbed Obama, saying, “You knew exactly when to come here, you knew we had elections.”
Live From the Holy Land … It’s the Obama and Bibi Show!|Eli Lake|March 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
“We came from real studios,” Williams ribbed, as McHale joked around with the audience.
Behind the Scenes at ‘The Soup’: Joel McHale, Brian Williams & More|Kevin Fallon|February 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He had the Yankee body, lank and ribbed, and was so tall that his head seemed always looking over a transom.
The Woman Gives|Owen Johnson
His casque of black steel, ribbed with shining iron, imparted a martial air to his pleasing and open countenance.
The Pilgrim's Shell or Fergan the Quarryman|Eugne Sue
For there were many brown-ribbed skeletons swaying airily among the chafing boughs.
Menotah|Ernest G. Henham
There was the cove, sweeping in to the left, along the bluff opposite, which was high and rock-ribbed.
The Rival Campers Afloat|Ruel Perley Smith
The Wasp Fly—dubbed with brown bear or cow's hair, ribbed with yellow silk, and the wings of the inside of starling's wing.
The Teesdale Angler|R Lakeland

British Dictionary definitions for rib (1 of 2)

rib¹

/ (rɪb) /

noun

any of the 24 curved elastic arches of bone that together form the chest wall in man. All are attached behind to the thoracic part of the spinal columnTechnical name: costa Compare true rib, false ribs, floating rib

the corresponding bone in other vertebrates

a cut of meat including one or more ribs

a part or element similar in function or appearance to a rib, esp a structural or supporting member or a raised strip or ridge

a structural member in a wing that extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge and maintains the shape of the wing surface

a projecting moulding or band on the underside of a vault or ceiling, which may be structural or ornamental

one of a series of raised rows in knitted fabricSee also ribbing (def. 3)

a raised ornamental line on the spine of a book where the stitching runs across it

any of the transverse stiffening timbers or joists forming the frame of a ship's hull

any of the larger veins of a leaf

a metal strip running along the top of the barrel of a shotgun or handgun and guiding the alignment of the sights

a vein of ore in rock

a projecting ridge of a mountain; spur

verb ribs, ribbing or ribbed (tr)

to furnish or support with a rib or ribs

to mark with or form into ribs or ridges

to knit plain and purl stitches alternately in order to make raised rows in (knitting)

archaic to enclose with or as if with ribs

Derived forms of rib

ribless, adjectiveriblike, adjective

Word Origin for rib

Old English ribb; related to Old High German rippi, Old Norse rif reef 1

British Dictionary definitions for rib (2 of 2)

rib²

/ (rɪb) informal /

verb ribs, ribbing or ribbed

(tr) to tease or ridicule

noun

a joke or hoax

Word Origin for rib

C20: short for rib-tickle (vb)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for rib

rib

[ rĭb ]

One of a series of long curved bones occurring in 12 pairs in humans and extending from the spine to or toward the sternum.

Scientific definitions for rib

rib

[ rĭb ]

Any of a series of long, curved bones extending from the spine and enclosing the chest cavity. In mammals, reptiles, and birds, the ribs curve toward the center of the chest and in most cases attach to the sternum (breastbone). There are 12 pairs of ribs in humans. See more at skeleton.

One of the main veins of a leaf.

Other Idioms and Phrases with rib

rib

see stick to the ribs.

rib

Origin of rib

OTHER WORDS FROM rib

Other definitions for rib (2 of 2)

Origin of rib

Words related to rib

How to use rib in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for rib (1 of 2)

Derived forms of rib

Word Origin for rib

British Dictionary definitions for rib (2 of 2)

Word Origin for rib

Medical definitions for rib

Scientific definitions for rib

Other Idioms and Phrases with rib